Dental Implants
Missing or damaged teeth can significantly affect a person’s self-esteem and overall dental health. At Gentle Care Dentistry, we offer a range of services to help our patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Dental implants are an effective and permanent solution for tooth replacement that your dentist or oral surgeon surgically installs into the jawbone. Over time, the implants fuse to the bone, simulating the look, feel, and stability of natural teeth. Both dentures and bridges can be mounted to dental implants, providing optimal security and comfort.
At Gentle Care Dentistry, your dentist will discuss your tooth replacement options and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Schedule Your AppointmentWhat Dental Implants Can Do
- Provide comprehensive, permanent tooth replacement solution
- Protect the integrity of your jawbone
- Improve dental function
- Enhance your self-confidence
How Are Dental Implants Done?
At Gentle Care Dentistry, dental implants are available for patients who wish to replace missing or extracted teeth. Your dentist will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate solution for your dental needs and aesthetic goals.
Traditional Dental Implants
The entire process for traditional dental implants takes a few months. First, the implant is inserted into the jawbone through an incision in the gums. If necessary, multiple implants can be inserted during one procedure. Within three to six months, bone forms around the implant in a process called osseointegration. You may opt to have temporary crowns installed while your implant fuses to the surrounding bone. After the implant heals, an abutment is placed, and an impression of the area is obtained to create a permanent restoration. Once your new crown has been crafted, it is attached to the abutment to complete the tooth replacement process.
How Can I Maintain Dental Implants?
It is essential for you to care for your dental implants as if they were your natural teeth. You must brush and floss them daily to remove buildup and keep your gums in healthy condition. Be sure to visit your dentist twice a year to monitor your overall oral health. If you experience complications or have concerns about your dental implants, schedule an appointment before your biannual check-up.
What Are the Alternatives to Dental Implants?
Not all patients with missing teeth can benefit from dental implants. Those who use tobacco products, suffer from advanced gum disease or lack adequate underlying bone are more likely to experience difficulty with implants.
Bone grafting is often used to fortify the jaw bone for a better chance of success, but if this fails, these patients may still be able to obtain beautiful results with dental bridges or dentures.
- Dental bridges are devices composed of two crowns supporting one or more artificial teeth. The crowns are attached to healthy teeth at either end of the gap, producing a long-lasting improvement. Those with advanced gum disease are more likely to lack the healthy teeth necessary for a stable and secure bridge.
- Dentures are removable false teeth that replace several consecutive missing teeth. Patients may require a full or partial denture, depending on the extent of correction needed.
- Partial dentures are similar to bridges in that they replace only a portion of the dental structure, but they are removable.
Your Trusted Las Cruces Dental Implant Provider
Gentle Care Dentistry offers a range of tooth replacement options, including dental implants in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and our skilled dental providers will design a unique treatment plan to recreate a comfortable, functional, and natural-looking smile.
For more information regarding dental implants in Las Cruces or any of our dental services, please contact our office at (575) 222-7624 to schedule your consultation.
Dental Implants FAQ
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How common are dental implants?
Due to increasing patient education, dental implants are the preferred tooth replacement solution due to their ability to replace the entire tooth, including the root.
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How safe are dental implants?
Dental implants are safe when placed by a qualified dentist or specialist. The implant posts provide the necessary stimulation to the underlying bone to prevent resorption, a process of increased bone deterioration caused by missing teeth.
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Is getting a dental implant painful?
During the implant placement procedure, the dentist may offer a choice of anesthetic and sedation to prevent pain. You are likely to experience some discomfort after the procedure is over and feeling returns to the area. Prescription pain medications can be provided when needed.
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How long does it take to receive dental implants?
The dental implant procedure is typically completed in two phases and can take between three to nine months, depending on your need for bone grafts before implant placement. If your jawbone needs strengthening, this adds an additional step. The number of teeth being replaced and extraction healing time also factor into the length of time necessary to complete the process.
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Why are dental implants becoming more popular?
Dentures have been the most common multiple tooth replacement method for a long time, but the absence of tooth roots ultimately leads to rapid bone loss. This process causes the thinning of the jaw and a prematurely aged appearance. Dental implants also offer excellent benefits, which include:
- Natural appearance and function
- A permanent solution
- Restores the ability to eat your favorite foods
- Since they are made of titanium, they don’t decay
- Dental implants have a very high success rate.
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Is there a downside to receiving dental implants?
Any surgical procedure involves a risk of infection, inflammation, and pain. However, these complications are rare. Following your dentist’s instructions before, during, and after implant placement will reduce these risks.
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How soon after a tooth extraction can you have an implant?
Depending on your oral health and the condition of your jaw bone, you may be able to receive implants the same day your tooth is extracted. However, if you have advanced gum disease and bone loss, it may take up to six months of healing, and supportive treatment before your implant can be placed.
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Could my gums reject the dental implant?
Dental implants are made from a titanium alloy that is almost never rejected and only happens in cases where the patient has a rare allergy.
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What should you avoid after receiving dental implants?
Don’t smoke or use tobacco as this can cause gum disease and weaken the hard and soft tissue supporting the dental implant(s).
Don’t use a straw for drinking as this places pressure on the implant site and can dislodge the blood clot, causing prolonged bleeding and healing.
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How do implants work with full or partial dentures?
Full or partial dentures can be secured by dental implants and can help improve the stability of a removable overdenture or a fixed denture.
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How long do implants last?
With a proper oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist, your dental implants can last forever. Be sure never to use your teeth as tools or chew on non-food items to avoid cracking or breaking them.
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How much do dental implants cost?
The answer to this question depends on the condition of your gums and underlying bone, the number of implants needed, and the skill of your dental implant provider. At Gentle Care Dentistry in Las Cruces, New Mexico, you can expect an accurate quote at the end of your dental implant consultation.